Best Clever Ways to Use Leftover Tea in Your Home and Garden

Tea leaves are rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient for composting. Toss your used tea bags or loose tea leaves into your compost bin to help it break down more effectively. Just be sure to check if your tea bags are compostable – some are made with synthetic fibers that won’t break down easily.

2. Feed Your Plants

Plants love a little boost of nutrients, and tea can provide that! Try diluting leftover tea with water and using it as a mild fertilizer for acid-loving plants, like roses, hydrangeas, and ferns. Avoid flavored teas or teas with added sugars, as these could attract pests.

3. Control Pests Naturally

Tea’s tannins can act as a natural pest deterrent. Sprinkle dried, used tea leaves around the base of plants to repel some common garden pests. The smell can help keep ants and other small insects at bay while also enriching the soil as the leaves decompose.

4. Improve Soil Quality

The tannins in tea can help lower the soil pH, which can be beneficial if you’re growing acid-loving plants. Try burying tea bags near your plants or mixing dried tea leaves into the soil. Over time, this can improve soil structure and increase organic matter, enhancing plant health.

5. Homemade Garden Spray

Create a natural spray to discourage pests by steeping leftover tea bags in a small amount of hot water. Once cooled, pour the tea into a spray bottle and apply it to plant leaves. This won’t replace dedicated pest control solutions, but it can serve as a light, all-natural deterrent.

6. Freshen Your Indoor Plants

Just like in the garden, indoor plants can benefit from a bit of tea as well. Use a diluted tea solution to gently mist houseplant soil or add a small amount to the water you use for plants like ferns, philodendrons, and pothos.

7. Add to Mulch

For an extra boost, mix dried tea leaves with your mulch around garden beds. The tea leaves will break down slowly, adding a steady source of nutrients to your plants. Just remember to keep the layer thin to avoid matting.

8. DIY Odor Neutralizer

Used tea bags make great odor absorbers, especially for indoor plants or compost pails. Place dried tea bags at the bottom of pots to help control excess moisture and reduce odors. They work well as a natural deodorizer in your fridge or kitchen, too!

9. Shine Up Your Garden Tools

Tea can even be used to maintain your tools! Soak rusty or grimy tools in leftover black tea for an hour, then wipe clean. The tannins help dissolve rust and add a subtle protective layer.

Using leftover tea can be a great way to reduce waste and boost your garden’s health. With these tips, you can give your tea a second life while benefiting both your indoor and outdoor plants. Happy gardening!

B.FASS